Toyota GT86 Won’t Start? Here’s Quick Solutions to the Most Common Causes

Intro

Let's face it, we've all been there, you've got places to be, you get in your Toyota GT86, turn the key, and … drum roll please … nothing! Your GT86 won't start! This an extremely annoying scenario, however, don't worry, we've got you covered. There are lots and lots of factors why your Toyota GT86 refuses to start, and with this guide, to spare you time we'll deal with the most common causes along with provide you practical options to get your car back on the road in no time!

Understanding the Problem

First it's essential to have a grasp of the issue. When you realize to yourself “My Toyota GT86 won't start”, this could be because of various things being wrong with your vehicle. Perhaps the engine is not starting at all, possibly it is cranking partially however then not starting, or maybe it's making a clicking noise when you try to start the engine, however in the end absolutely nothing happens. Each of these circumstances can indicate various problems with your car.

Common Reasons Why Your Toyota GT86 Won't Start

There are various reasons a GT86 can't start. These problems usually include a dead or weak vehicle battery, a bad alternator, starter motor issues, fuel system problems, as well as electrical or circuitry issues. Every one of these issues can show up as an array of symptoms and require different solutions to identify and fix, so we can get your car back on the road ASAP.

Symptoms of Toyota GT86 That Won't Start

Having the ability to recognize and diagnose these signs, will help you in discovering the root cause of the problem. For example, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking sound however your car still can't start, it can be a sign that there is an issue with the fuel or ignition system.

Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Toyota GT86 Won't Start

The first step to figuring out a solution to the issue is having a grasp of the underlying cause of that issue, so let's look into the most common causes as to why your GT86 will not start.

Toyota GT86 Battery Issues

In the majority of cases, the most common reason why your Toyota GT86 will not start is, in many cases because of the battery, it's either weak or dead, and you need to either recharge the battery or replace it. The vehicle's battery stores the power needed to start the engine, and power all the electrical components in your Toyota GT86. Signs of a bad battery problem in a GT86, can be things like the car being sluggish to crank the engine, poorly lit headlights, or a lit-up battery warning light on your car's dashboard.

Toyota GT86 Alternator Problems

The alternator is for charging the battery from the engine while the car is running. A defective alternator can easily prevent your Toyota GT86 from starting as it won't have the ability to charge up the battery, from the engine, so it will be drained fairly quickly till it's totally dead and you only realize it when you can't get your Toyota started. Symptoms that your car's alternator is faulty include a lit-up battery or alternator caution light on the dash, poorly lit headlights when the engine is idling, and also a whining or grinding sound from the engine while it's running.

Toyota GT86 Starter Motor Failures

When you start your Toyota GT86, the starter motor handles turning the engine over (cranking it). If the starter motor is broken in some way then the engine is not going to crank, and your GT86 can't start. You can find out if your starter motor has a problem or not often by listening for a clicking noise when you turn your key or a grinding noise throughout the startup, or your vehicle starts up but only intermittently, then the starter motor may very well be the problem.

Toyota GT86 Fuel System Complications

We’re not talking about when you merely run out of gas here, but your car’s fuel system itself having problems. Your Toyota GT86 uses a combustion engine, andfor that reason to start and run, it needs a proper mix of fuel and air. If your GT86 problems are the result of a faulty fuel system, this can be a clogged fuel filter or a failing fuel pump relay, which could suggest the engine might not be getting the fuel it needs to get the car started.

Toyota GT86 Electrical System or Wiring Problems

Modern Toyota GT86s rely heavily on electronic components, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially have an issue. Even in an older Toyota GT86, you can still have regular problems such as blown fuses, spark plug problems, a broken ignition switch, or a damaged sensor, and more. These can be a few of the many electrical examples of how failing electrical components can be the reason your car can't get started. Indications of a wiring or electrical issue can vary widely but can typically include the engine not cranking, or your GT86 can start but only intermittently or some warning lights show on the car’s dash. To correctly identify and repair these kinds of issues, you will require the skills of a knowledgeable car mechanic locally or online.

Solutions & Repair Tips

Once you have diagnosed what the reason for your car troubles are. The next logical step is of course to attempt to fix it. Here are some suggestions for the typical problems we've covered previously.

How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Toyota GT86

If you suspect it's possible a battery problem is the culprit as to why your GT86 has trouble starting, then the first thing you must do is inspect around the battery and check the battery terminals. You want them to be clean, not corroded, and tightly connected. If you happen to find that the terminals are in fact corroded you can attempt cleaning them with a mix of baking soda and water. You will need to replace the battery if it's weak or old, otherwise, even if you charge it up enough to start the vehicle, it will probably die again in the near future. You can make use of a multimeter as a way to test the life of the battery to see if it’s worth saving or if it needs replacing. You can ask a professional car mechanic online or locally to help you with this.

How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Toyota GT86

If you’re thinking that the alternator is the cause of your car starting troubles, you can test it to see for yourself. If you can get the car started temporarily (you may need to jump-start the car for that), but once it’s going, let the vehicle run, and while the engine is running, disconnect the positive terminal of the battery. It's likely due to an issue with the alternator if you discover your Toyota GT86 dies instantly when you disconnect the positive terminal. However, be warned this test can be risky and dangerous if you don't know what you're doing, and may damage the delicate electronic components in your Toyota GT86, so in this case best to consult with a reliable mechanic locally or online, prior to ever attempting this.

How to Identify Starter Motor Failures in a Toyota GT86

It's most likely an issue with your starter motor if you are able to hear the clicking sound but the engine doesn't crank. In this case, the solution is to have the starter motor replaced by a professional mechanic.

How to Deal With Fuel System Problems in a Toyota GT86

If you suspect the issue to be because of a fuel system problem, listen for the fuel pump when you turn the key to the “on” position, before starting up the vehicle. You should hear a humming noise for a couple of seconds. It may be there is a problem with the fuel pump if you are not able to hear this noise. If you observe your Toyota is difficult to start, it stalls, or it has weak acceleration, it might be a result of a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely require a reliable car mechanic in order to properly fix.

How to Repair Electrical or Wiring Issues in a Toyota GT86

If you suspect it's a wiring or electrical system issue, first examine the fuses associated with the ignition system, and replace any that have actually blown. If your Toyota starts after this, then it was a successful, simple and low-cost fix! If the car does not start, even intermittently, it might be a sign of a problem with the ignition switch itself. It may be a faulty sensing unit if different warning lights are lit up on your dashboard. These issues can be very complex and a professional car mechanic is most likely required to diagnose and repair it.

Preventive Steps

As my father always said “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are some preventative measures to ensure you prevent any Toyota GT86 starting troubles ever again!

Regular Upkeep of Your Toyota GT86:

Routine maintenance of your Toyota GT86 is key to avoiding future difficulties. This includes things like routine oil changes, inspecting your car battery, cleaning the terminals, replacing the fuel filter as suggested/required, and of course having your vehicle inspected by a professional car mechanic routinely. If you are unsure about regular upkeep tasks needed for your specific automobile, you can consult a mechanic in your area or online.

Drive Your Toyota GT86 Regularly:

If you happen to leave your Toyota GT86 in the driveway for long durations of time without taking it for a spin now and again, the battery may run out of charge as it's not getting any charge from the engine being used. Try your best to drive your car frequently to keep the battery charged. Take it for a quick spin to make sure there is still charge in the battery if you remember you haven't driven your Toyota in a while. Worth noting: letting the battery completely drain, is also damaging for the longevity of the battery, try not to do this.

Pay Attention to Warning Signs:

If you notice anything out of the ordinary like unusual noises, a difference in how it drives and the performance, or alert lights showing on your Toyota GT86s dashboard, do not ignore them. These can be early warnings of an issue and it’s best to be dealt with ASAP so that they don’t end up being larger issues later. Talk to a car mechanic in your area or online about these warning lights and find out if they need to be dealt with.

When to Ask a Toyota Mechanic Online

Whenever you have a problem, you can search online forever Googling things like “Toyota wont start clicking noise lights work” or you can just speak to an online mechanic now and get the solution in minutes. If you want to save time, want an expert Toyota mechanic on hand helping and advising you, or you have tried to solve it by yourself, but in spite of your best efforts your Toyota fails to start, then talking with a Toyota mechanic online can be an excellent option.

Benefits of an Online Toyota Mechanic

Online mechanic services, like ours in the bottom right of this page, provide a number of advantages. You can get skilled Toyota mechanic guidance 24×7 and without leaving your house, which is particularly helpful if your car won't start and is stuck in the driveway. You can also save money as online mechanic consultations are more affordable than a physical visit to a local mechanic near you. Plus, you can get the answer quickly, which is great if you're in a rush, require a 2nd opinion, or you simply prefer having an expert Toyota mechanic on hand.

How Services Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Help You

Mechanic Answer connects you with accredited professional Toyota mechanics who can supply immediate help, guidance and recommendations. Our Toyota mechanics have the skills and experience to tackle any problem with any Toyota, it doesn't matter if your Toyota Granvia won't start or your GT86 is having issues, our experts will figure it out and help you solve the exact problem. You're able to have the ability to explain the problems you are having with your car, ask Toyota mechanics unlimited questions, and even submit pictures and videos so you are able to show the mechanic what you mean. You can talk with them via online chat or by phone call, whichever you choose. The Toyota mechanic online will help you identify the problem, advise you on what are the best options for your individual circumstance and even assist you through simple maintenance and repair work step by step.

So if you need help with and the answers to your Toyota repair and maintenance questions, feel free to try out our Toyota mechanic advice online service now.

Conclusion

In a nut shell, when your Toyota GT86 can't start, it will likely be a complete disappointment and a massive hassle. However, having a firm grasp of what might be causing the issues, having the ability to troubleshoot them, and knowing what actions are needed in each case, and where to get help if needed, will be a huge help. Keep in mind that regular upkeep is key to preventing all car problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What should I do if my Toyota GT86 doesn’t start?

First off, do not panic. Attempt to identify any symptoms that might indicate a problem, such as unusual noises, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The cause of the issue is most likely one of the main causes discussed in this guide. If you can't find the issue yourself, you will need the aid of a Toyota mechanic locally or online.

2. How to tell if my Toyota GT86 won't start because of the battery?

Signs of a battery issue in a GT86 consist of the engine being slow to crank, dim headlights, and lit battery warning lights on the dash. You can also check the battery terminals to see if they are clean, not corroded, and tightly connected. It may be best to just change it if the battery is weak or old.

3. How can I prevent my Toyota GT86 not starting issues?

In order to make certain this annoyance never occurs once again, routine maintenance is crucial. This consists of things like oil changes, inspecting the battery and cleaning its terminals, replacing the fuel filter as recommended/required, and getting your Toyota GT86 inspected by a mechanic regularly. It's also a fantastic idea to drive the vehicle regularly so the battery stays charged.

4. Can I ask a mechanic online if my Toyota GT86 will not start?

Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can supply immediate expert Toyota mechanic help and guidance, without you having to leave your house. If your Toyota GT86 can't start and is stuck in the driveway, this is especially beneficial.

5. How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Toyota GT86 will not start?

We link you with accredited specialist Toyota mechanics who can offer advice on your specific scenario. You can tell them about your car issues, ask unlimited questions, and even submit images and videos so you can appropriately show the problem and explain it. The mechanic will be able to assist, troubleshoot, identify the problem, recommend the very best course of action and guide you along the way.